Richie Farmer's sister gets five years' probation

Nov. 1, 2013

The courts. (Photodisc) / Getty Images

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The Courier-Journal

FRANKFORT, KY. — Rhonda Monroe, the sister of former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, will serve probation for her role in a campaign finance scheme that allowed her brother to swipe money from his 2007 re-election fund.

Monroe was accused of using her position as assistant executive director of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance to help Farmer pocket leftover campaign cash with phony expense claims in 2008. She admitted to felony complicity in the case when Farmer pleaded guilty to state and federal charges in September.

On Friday, Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd ordered Monroe to serve five years’ probation in lieu of a one-year sentence. She is also forbidden to work for state government during that time, but Shepherd said Monroe could later request a reduction in her probation.

Shepherd noted that Monroe had no criminal history and said she made a bad decision while trying to help a family member.

“Rhonda and her family have suffered a great deal, and she is pleased that she can put this behind her,” James Deckard, Monroe’s attorney, said outside the courtroom. “We are appreciative of the court for recognizing that this incident was an anomaly and that Rhonda is ready to move on.”

Farmer pleaded guilty in federal court to two felony counts of misappropriating government funds, and admitted in state court that he filed false expenses with his campaign committee to divert $10,500 into his own pocket.

He faces a sentence of 21 to 27 months in federal prison and $120,500 in restitution to the state. His sentencing is scheduled for January.